Cow put down as five animal accidents reported on New Forest roads in a week

DRIVERS are being urged to take extra care in the aftermath of five reported accidents on the New Forest's roads last week.

As the evenings draw in, one cow died and one more was injured, the verderers said. Records show accidents often peak in October, November and December.

Sue Westwood, clerk to the verderers, said: “Drivers should be aware that they are very likely to encounter animals on the Forest’s roads, day and night.

"Animals don’t have road sense, so please help avoid accidents by driving slowly and carefully."

She added: “A collision will result in significant delay for the driver involved and may result in a badly damaged vehicle as well as causing unnecessary suffering to the unfortunate animal.”

Last Tuesday the agisters received a report a black cow was involved in an incident on the B3078 at Black Gutter at around 8.30pm.

Agister Peter Rix attended and the creature had to be destroyed due to the severity of its injuries.

Last Thursday there was a collision involving a pony at Denny Corner on the B3056 at around 10.15pm but it could not be found.

Hours later at 12.15am last Friday morning another incident involving a pony was reported on the B3055 at Latchmoor but again the animal was not located.

The same day a pig escaped injury after an accident at around 3.30pm on the B3056 near Bolton's Bench in Lyndhurst.

Finally, a grey filly was injured at around 7.35pm on Saturday at the North Lane and Ipley Crossroads.